Global Powers of Retailing 2017

The art and science of customers

This year's report focuses on the theme of "The art and science of customers," and considers the impact that living in the customer-driven economy is having on the shopping experience and retail industry business strategies.

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The 20th annual Global Powers of Retailing identifies the 250 largest retailers around the world based on publicly available data for FY2015 (encompassing companies' fiscal years ended through June 2016), and analyzes their performance across geographies, sectors, and channels. It also provides a look at the world's 50 biggest e-retailers and the 50 fastest-growing retailers.

Although the global economy struggled to gain momentum, the Global Powers of Retailing Top 250 achieved profitable growth in FY2015, generating aggregate retail revenues of US$4.31 trillion and resulting in an average size of US$17.2 billion per company.

Global Powers of Retailing 2017: The art and science of customers is much more than a list, however. Ira Kalish, Deloitte's Chief Global Economist, provides a global economic outlook, forecasting how trends – including globalization, deflation and commodity prices – will impact retail growth or disruption over the next year.

The report also discusses the art and science of customer engagement to help retailers design fresh experiences, enabled by the right technology, and strengthen customer loyalty. While the five trends discussed are not new, what is interesting for 2017 is that what was once futuristic is now table stakes. Retail innovators know technology is no longer supplemental to the shopping experience, it is fundamental. Technology alone, however, is not enough. Customers are seeking new and surprising products and experiences.

The five trends identified are:

Changing preferences: Less is more. Customers are defining themselves less by how many things they own and more by how curated their lives are in terms of possessions and experiences.

Changing preferences: “Following” economy. Customers are seeking experiences and products that reflect the personal brand they promote on social media.

Changing formats: “Retailization” of the world. The maker movement, the sharing economy, and other factors have made it increasingly difficult to define what a retailer is and does.

Changing formats: On-demand shopping and fulfillment. Relevancy will be determined by the ability of retailers to meet the on-demand mindset of the modern customer.

Changing expectations: Exponential living. Exponential technologies are changing how we live and how we will shop.

Global Powers of Retailing 2016: Navigating the new digital divide

The 19th annual Global Powers of Retailing identifies the 250 largest retailers around the world based on publicly available data for fiscal 2014 (encompassing companies' fiscal years ended through June 2015), and analyzes their performance based on geographic region, product sector, e-commerce activity, and other factors. It also provides a look at the world's 50 biggest e-retailers.

Global Powers of Retailing 2015: Embracing Innovation

The 18th annual Global Powers of Retailing identifies the 250 largest retailers around the world, and analyzes their performance based on geographic region, product sector, e-commerce activity, and other factors. It also provides a look at the world's 50 biggest e-retailers. In addition, the report considers strategies retailers are taking to cope with disruptive change in the industry, provides an overview of the global economy and how it will impact the retail sector, and discusses "Q Ratio" which is a way of measuring non-tangible business assets.

Global Powers of Retailing 2014: Retail Beyond begins

The 17th annual Global Powers of Retailing report identifies the 250 largest retailers, examines trends for retailers to consider as they plan their growth strategies, provides a global economic outlook, and discusses "Q" ratio. This edition also includes a section on “Retail Beyond,” which takes a provocative look at how existing technologies could conceivably converge and further transform the already complex relationship between retailers and consumers. In addition, the 2014 report marks the first appearance of the Top 50 E-retailers list.

Global Powers of Retailing 2013: Retail beyond

The 16th annual Global Powers of Retailing report identifies the 250 largest retailers, provides a global economic outlook, and discusses "Q" ratio. It also includes a section on "The Future of Retail," which examines the industry impact as consumers seek an integrated shopping experience across channels – and in some cases across geographies – causing some retailers to be put to the test.

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